2nd week

A very Happy New Year to everyone.

Into the 2nd week of the new year tomorrow already, and the days go by, oh so fast !

Tomorrow I am off to Auckland for the annual ASQSS, and I am looking forward to a week of meeting up with old friends, lots of music, recitals, good food and some R and R.
There is going to be more rain, but that won't dampen my mood, not one little bit.

Whilst away I always carry some knitting, and this year I am taking some 2ply merino and a  cotton alpaca blend to make the Hakusa scarf by Kirsten Johnstone. I purchased the pattern on Ravelry and have cast on already and have knitted a few rows so I will be able to knit whilst catching up with friends, without having to stop and count stitches.

Have a great week and see you when I get back.

Waterlogged

This is the view from my window today.
We have had so much rain in the last 48 hrs and it is still pouring down, creating havoc in our communities and town. Our town has been put in a state of emergency and 110 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Whilst marooned inside the house I have managed to stay busy, and I finished a short sleeved cardigan this morning Design 26 from the book Noro Mini knits.

and my woven shawl/throw that I blogged about recently.

This dear little dove of peace is bringing me much pleasure. My friend Mary made one for each member of our small stitching and knitting group.
Mary has had a year of some frightening health issues, and has come through it with flying colours. She has been a huge inspiration to me this year as I have watched her live it all with courage and immense bravery and selflessness.

Meanwhile I am praying for this rain to cease !

A Sea of Sounds

I see from my last post that it is has been three weeks since I wrote, and thinking about it , I realise that the only time I have used the Mac. is when I am checking the emails....a sorry state of affairs indeed !
My time has been completely taken up with music, music and more music.!!
The last three weekends I have been playing my violin in three different concerts, and the final is tonight.....Handels's Messiah.

There have been many, many hours of rehearsals and practices with my violin tucked up on my shoulder with it's sound so close to my ear, that even when I am asleep I have dreams that I am still playing.
 My violin sometimes seems as if it is a very dear friend who I cannot bear to be parted from for even a day.

Some of the highlights from the previous  concerts have been Vaughan Williams's The Lark Ascending, and The Wasp Overture, Mozart's Piano Concerto No.20., Schumann's Spring Symphony, Beethoven Symphony No.8., but I think my favorite is The Messiah with the trumpet coming in on the Hallelujah Chorus and Worthy is the Lamb at the very end. Soul stirring stuff at the very least.









Today I shall make time for a quiet hour at my weaving loom. This blanket is very nearly finished and reminds me of all things to do with the sea on a beautiful still, calm day.

A simple tabby weave using laceweight and 4ply merino.

I hope you enjoy the links to all the music that has been filling my head recently.

Christmas will soon be here and this is always a favorite to listen to as I am making the mince pies.

Wrapping up

I have finished knitting my first Christmas gift. It is the Simple Effective Shawl pattern, and I used two skeins of Noro Silk Garden light. After the blocking I am going to wrap it up ready for Christmas, I might not be able to wait until then though ... I have become notorious for giving the gift as soon as it is ready !

Here are some images from my garden taken this morning while I had a little wander outside. Every day now, I am seeing lots of little friends opening out, and coming to life again from their winter sleep. Such pleasures ......these gifts from the garden.

One for the boys

I have been power knitting the last few days, finishing a vest for the youngest boy in my family and trying    to work on a vest for the more senior boy in my life.

Baby Leo has just turned one.

Vest was size two knitted in opal sock wool.

I had just put the last stitch in and Leo turned up, right on cue

for a photo shoot. Isn't he lovely !!

I shall show the other vest when it's done ...I don't know if the boy will be as obliging as Leo.

Earth, Sea and Sky

 There's nothing

better

than a

walk on the beach and a

    sandcastle to build.

Tiny Pleasures

Taking time today to take a walk in the sunshine.

To pick some flowers  out of the garden,

and to crochet a few more granny squares for this blanket in progress.
I started this a year or so ago, and it had been put away when I was having one of my 'clean up' days.
I was thoroughly inspired to make it when I looked at Lucy's ( Attic 24 )  flickr page and saw all her lovely blankets, and all the other beautiful work that has been crocheted by others that she has inspired and enthused.

I have used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. Some of these colors have been discontinued and I have had to choose some other colors so that I can finish it.
 It is supremely soft  and cuddly.
 A good one for the Grandbabies to snuggle into when they come to visit.

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful comments on little Basil's passing. He has featured in so many of our family stories in the last decade or so, and it feels really strange living here without his snuffly presence following me around.
His little sidekick Billie is certainly feeling it, he has been very quiet this week, and keeps giving me a questioning look.
I guess we will both get used to it in time.